Rio de Janeiro and the World Cup in Brazil

Who hasn't heard of the Marvelous City? It is the city that draws up Brazil for its stereotypes and stunning beauty. Rio doesn't disappoint anyone who comes to see the mix of an urban center and a beach town, with it touristic icons like Christ, the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the famous beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca.

Aerial view from Sugar Loaf, photo by Eliana Souza


Ipanema beach, wikipedia


Tijuca National park and forest

For being the capital of the country for more than a century and a half, the city preserves historic Brazilian landmarks with its monuments and museums, and enormous French influence. Rio was also the precursor of innumerous cultural movements that left behind roots, such as the creation of samba and bossa nova, for example. Its festivals, like carnival and New Year's Eve, are reason enough to highlight the city as an unforgettable destination.

Opera House, photo by Eliana Souza

Selaron stairs, photo by Eliana Souza

Carioca da Gema, traditional bar at Lapa bohemian district
Carnival parade, wikipedia
But, nothing is more impressive than the relationship between people from Rio, or Cariocas, and soccer, which is practically considered a religion. The four big teams in the city, Botafogo, Fluminense, Vasco and Flamengo, are venerated by their followers and cause commotion in their highly disputed games. It is estimated that 30 million fans root for Flamengo, considered the most popular team in the country. Players that have reached international fame, like Jairzinho, Garrincha, Rivellino, Zico, Ronaldo and Romário, all played for one of these teams.
Maracana stadium, before the renovation for 2014 world Cup, photo by Artur Bopré 
The home of the giant Maracanã stadium which has hosted around 155 thousand fans, it is there that games between the four rival teams are played. The stadium was inaugurated shortly before the 1950 World Cup, in order to be recognized as the biggest in the world. Five of the six games that Brazil played in the tournament took place there, including the historic final against Uruguay, when Brazil was beaten 2 to 1, and generated a national state of shock, which is difficult to wipe from the memory of Brazilians.
Maraca, as it is affectionately called by locals, is the stadium that has hosted the most games played by the Brazilian national soccer team. Several final games in the Brazilian championships, and many historic games, were also played there, like the famous soccer player Pelé's game where he made his 1000th goal, and his last game as part of the national team.
Maracana stadium prepared for 2014 World Cup, photo by Erica Ramalho

Totally remodeled with a capacity for 78.800 spectators, the stadium will be the stage for the final game of the World Cup in 2014. It will also host four games in the group stage, one of the round of 16 and another in the quarterfinals. Brazil wants to be there, in the final match, following its tradition and repeating the screenplay of the last Confederations Cup in 2013, when won the tournament with an expressive score of 3-0 against Spain.
This is the most important temple for the most popular and idolized sport in Brazil. Argentina, Spain, Chile and France are other strong contenders to play in the arena.
June 15th – Sunday - 07:00pm - Argentina x Bosnia (group F)
June 18th – Wednesday  - 07:00pm - Spain x Chile (group B)
June 22nd –  Sunday - 07:00pm - Belgium x Russia (group  H)
June 25th – Wednesday - 05:00pm - Ecuador x France (group E)
June 28th – Wednesday - 05:00pm – 1st of Group C x 2nd of Group D (round of 16)
July 04th – Friday - 01:00pm – 1st of Group E or 2nd group F x 1st of Group G or 2nd group H (quarterfinals)


The goals of striker Edin Dzeko from Bosnia National team



The skilss of Romelu Lukaku from Belgium National team



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Salvador and the World Cup in Brazil

Brazil's first capital still preserves its strong African influence that permeates its food, music, dance and religion. With the history alive and well in the streets, alleys and hills that marks the start of Portuguese colonization, the city possesses a rich archive of architectural and religious works, which can be found in its historic center, known as the Pelourinho. 
Historical center in Salvador
Itapuã beach, Salvador
Capoeira, Martial arts and dance
Famous for its street carnival, with the great singers of Axé music, the biggest city in the Brazilian Northeast also has an ocean coast blessed with beautiful beaches surrounded by coconut palms.
The classic Ba-Vi game is the highlight of the dispute between the two favorite rival teams by Salvador residents. Both Bahia and Vitória compete fiercely at the state level.
Bahia is famous for its faithfulness to its fans, who put it as the owner of one of the largest fan bases in Brazil, which won the trophy of Brazilian Champion in 1988, and the Taça Brasil in 1959.
Vitória in turn has won three titles in the Northeastern Cup, and one of vice-champion of the Brazilian Championship in 1993, after being beaten in the final match by Palmeiras. The Leão (lion), as Vitória is also known, already produced such stars and world champs like the forward Bebeto and the goalkeeper Dida.
Fonte Nova Arena
The novelty to Bahian football is the Fonte Nova Arena, a multiuse stadium with capacity for 55.000  fans. Salvador will host at least three of the main teams that sealed a spot to participate in 2014. In the first phase, the city will host four games. In three of them, key players from their groups will be on the field. The Bahian capital will also host an elimination game in the round of 16, and one of the quarter finals. The presence of Spain, Netherlands, France, Portugal and Germany promises some legendary scenes in a remarkable city in Brazil.
June 13th – Friday - 04:00pm  – Spain x Netherlands  (group B)
June 16th – Monday - 01:00pm - Germany  x Portugal (group G)
June 20th – Friday – 01:00pm -  Switzerland  x France (group  E)
June 25th – Wednesday - 01:00pm -  Bosnia x Iran (group F)
July 01st – Tuesday – 05:00pm - 1st Group H x 2nd Group G (round of 16)
July 05th – Saturday – 05:00pm - 1st  Group B or 2nd Group A x 1st Group D or 2nd Group C (quarterfinals)



Iran squad profile


Switzerland team profile


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Recife and the World Cup in Brazil

Cut up by rivers and full of bridged (close to 60) Recife is known as the Venice of Brazil. The unusual Dutch influence that occurred only in this part of the Brazilian Northeast is one of the interesting factors to explore the city culturally. With museums, churches, and houses from the Portuguese colonial period, the city is famous for its calm lakes created by reefs typical for its beaches. In catamaran trips down the main river that cuts through the city, the Capibaribe, you can admire its mangroves. For art lovers, you can't miss the fabulous workshop of the native artist Francisco Brennand, located in the middle of the Atlantic forest, where thousands of works of ceramics, paintings and installation art are brought together.
Recife historical center, wikipedia

Francisco Brennand studio

Olinda view, wikipedia
In the neighboring city of Olinda, with its hills and magnificent views that combine antique houses with the sea in the background, you will find rich historic heritage. Frevo and maracatu, typical musical rhythms in Pernambuco, are registered trademarks during the city street carnival, which exhibits excited floats of revelers like Galo da Madrugada.


Frevo, typical dance from Pernambuco State in Brazil
With respect to the art on the field, three clubs divide the state's attention: Sport, Santa Cruz and Náutico. Giant rivals in the local tournament, historic duels have collided for almost 100 years. The stadiums of the teams, Ilha do retiro, Arruda and Aflitos, are excellent locations to watch the heat that emanates from the passionate fans in Recife.
Pernambuco arena
As one of the best stages to see the Brazilian soccer team, the capital of Pernambuco state boasts the Pernambuco Arena, host for three games in the Confederations Cup in 2013 and five World Cup games in 2014. With 44.248 seats, the stadium has become a landmark in the city, since it includes the construction of a totally planned neighborhood and a complex that will house a museum, shopping center, restaurants, convention center, and other amenities. Náutico has the right to be the owner of the new Arena after the World Cup. Favorites to win the trophy, such as Germany and Italy, will show up in this field.
June 14th – Saturday - 07:00pm – Ivory Coast x Japan (group C)
June 20th – Friday - 01:00pm - Italy x Costa Rica (group  D)
June 23rd – Monday - 05:00pm - Croatia x Mexico (group A)
June 26th – Thursday - 01:00pm - United States  x Germany (group G)
June 29th – Sunday – 05:00pm – 1st of Group D x 2nd of Group C

Croatia profile

The skills of Didier Drogba from Ivory Coast National team



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Porto Alegre and the World Cup in Brazil

Full of secular tradition, the Southern capital is part of the southern region of the country. It is there that the creation of Brazilian barbeque was spread, which can be tasted with the special cuts of local beef. Due in part to the influence of German and Italian colonization, the cuisine and viniculture are also attractions that can't be missed. In the area surrounding the city is a region of Brazilian canyons: Aparados da Serra, with its deep valleys lined with araucarias, a species of native pine.
Public market, wikipedia

Museum for Ibere Camargo Foundation, photo by Alvaro Siza Architects


Typical dance of gaucho folklore, photo by Tetraksys, wikipedia
Rio Grande do Sul has a long history in Brazilian soccer. It is home to renowned national-level clubs, like Caxias and Juventude. Nevertheless, it could be said that the state is divided in two colors: blue and red.
The blue club is actually three colors. Grêmio, which also has black and white on its uniform, was the world champion in 1983, with a victory in Tokyo, Japan, over Hamburg, 2 x 1. Years later, Internacional, its greatest rival, beat Barcelona 1 x 0 in 2006, and won the title that had kept it behind Grêmio. The game between the two teams, known as Gre-Nal, is a guaranteed attraction for the state championship, as well as for the Series A Brazilian Championship.
Although Grêmio inaugurated its new stadium in 2012, the stage for five games of the World Cup will be Beira-Rio, Internacional's stadium. With a capacity for 48.849 fans, the red stadium is fully prepared for the tournament, hosting games for the home team.
Beira Rio stadium
France, the winner of 1998 edition, will be one of the stars playing in Porto Alegre, with Argentina and Netherlands as partners. A set of strong matches takes place in Beira-Rio in the group stage and, certainly, in the round of 16.
June 15th – Sunday - 04:00pm - France x Honduras (group E)
June 18th - Wednesday - 01:00pm - Australia x Netherlands (group B)
June 22nd – Sunday - 01:00pm – South Korea  x Algeria  (group H)
June 25th – Wednesday - 01:00pm - Nigeria x Argentina (group  F)
June 30th – Monday - 05:00pm – 1st group G x 2nd group H (round of 16)

France national team profile

Robin Van Persie, the Dutch star


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Natal and the World Cup in Brazil

The sun favors this city, which is sunny almost all year round. Because of that, Natal is known as the city of the sun, and a scene from paradise. The white sand dunes contrasting against the blue sea dazzle thousands of tourists that explore its coastline from North to South. A cashew tree with an immense canopy of more than 7,000 square meters, which produces cashew fruit in addition to the nut that most foreign tourists know, is also worth seeing. At night, forró, traditional popular dance in Natal, is an invitation for a little relaxation.
Ponta Negra beach, photo by Ricardo   
 Genipabu beach, wikipedia


Pipa beach, photo by Helder da Rocha
The great soccer rivalry is the Potiguar Championship, as the state tournament is called. ABC and América are the clubs that divide sports fans in Rio Grande do Norte and have gathered the most recent local titles.
Dunes Arena in Natal, RN
In this year, fans will be even more enthusiastic to receive four games of the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 in the Dunes Arena, a stadium which has capacity for 42.086 people. Stage for local heroes like América de Natal, will show traditional competitive forces to the world, like Uruguay and Italy.
June 13th –  Friday -  01:00pm - Mexico x Cameroon  (group A)
June 16th – Monday - 07:00pm - Ghana x United States  (group G)
June 19th – Thursday - 07:00pm -  Japan x Greece (group C)
June 24th – Tuesday - 01:00pm -  Italy  x Uruguay (group  D)



The American star Jozy Altidore


Ghana National team profile


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Manaus and the World Cup in Brazil

On the banks of the Amazon River, the city has inherited a rich past, through the rubber cycle, with its gorgeous Opera House and the Municipal Market. Getting into the Amazon rainforest, exploring its biodiversity, fauna and flora is not just a fantasy. From Manaus, by ship or boat, countless forest hotels can be reached which offer tourist experiences with a focus on adventure, contemplation and learning something new. In the month of June, in the neighboring city of Parintins, the spectacular folklore festival of Parintins takes place. It is a mixture of theatre shows, music and dance inspired by legends and the customs of indigenous tribes and Amazonian communities.

Opera House, wikipedia
Meeting of the waters between Solimões and Negro rivers, wikipedia

Feeding the pink dolphins close to a lodge in the Amazon rainforest

The Amazon championship has gained competitiveness over the last few years with the arrival of new clubs, which has divided local passions. Among the teams that have come out on top at the State level are Nacional, which owns the greatest number of titles, Fast Clube, São Raimundo and Rio Negro.
Arena Amazonia, photo by Bruno
For the World Cup, the expectations are high. The Amazônia Arena, constructed especially for the competition, substitutes the traditional stadium Vivaldão. The space, ready and prepared for various sports, has capacity for 42.3 thousand people, who will be able to watch four World Cup games in 2014 in the group stage, featuring an amazing one: England versus Italy, opening the works for group D. Portugal, United States and Switzerland are also relevant teams willing to challenge the heat in Manaus.
June 14th –Saturday - 10:00pm - England x Italy (group  D)
June 18th – Wednesday - 04:00pm - Cameroon  x Croatia (group A)
June 22nd - Sunday - 04:00pm - United States x Portugal (group G)
June 25th - Wednesday - 05:00pm - Honduras x Switzerland (group E)


The star Andrea Pirlo, one of the respected players of the Italian squad 


The famous and Ballon D'Or 2013-2014 awarded Cristiano Ronaldo


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Fortaleza and the World Cup in Brazil

The tradition of eating crab every Thursday is already a different plan in a visit to Fortaleza. But, beyond typical cooking, its spectacular beaches are spread out over a large area and are interspersed with fishing villages or nested between dunes that rise several meters above the sea.

Cumbuco beach, photo by Eliana Souza   
Morro Branco beach, photo by Eliana Souza

The best place to go, culturally speaking, is the Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture, located next to an area full of restored neoclassical mansions. Theaters, movie theaters, art galleries and museums share space with bars and restaurants. 
Just 30 km away is Beach Park, the largest aquatic park in Latin America, a giant complex that brings together virtually any type of fun in the water, from activities for the family to giant water slides to increase the adrenaline of the visitor. In the Cachaça Museum, owned by the well-known cachaça brand Ypioca, you can learn all about the production process of Brazil's national drink.
Beach Park, photo by Eliana Souza
In the city, you can watch the duel between two large local forces: Ceará and Fortaleza, which are in Brazilian Championship series B and C, respectively. The biggest games used to occur in Presidente Vargas stadium before the Castelão arena reopening.
As one of the first venues to be ready for six games of the World Cup, the Governador Plácido Castelo Stadium, the Castelão, is a local star. It has 63.903 seats and will be on the itinerary of the Brazilian football team over the course of the tournament.

Arena Castelão, photo by Fabio
In the Confederations Cup, the Castelão was the stage for three games. Approved by people and press in that occasion, the beautiful arena will host relevant squads like Brazil, Mexico, bi-champion Uruguay and the tri-champion Germany. No doubt, is one of the most important centers in the group stage. Decisive matches in round of 16 and quarterfinals will take place in Fortaleza as well.
June 14th – Saturday - 04:00pm - Uruguay x Costa Rica (group D)
June 17th -  Tuesday - 04:00pm - Brazil x Mexico (group  A)
June 21st  - Saturday - 04:00pm - Germany x Ghana (group  G)
June 24th-  Tuesday - 05:00pm - Greece x Ivory Coast (group C)
June 29th  - Sunday - 01:00pm – 1st winner of Group B x 2nd winner Group A (round of 16)
July  04th –  Friday - 05:00pm – 1stt group A or 2nd Group B x 1st group C or 2nd Group D (quarterfinals)


The goals of German national team for 2014 World Cup qualification


Mexican squad profile

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Curitiba and the 2014 World in Brazil

The green capital of the south of the country became well known for its concern over sustainability and urban planning, which could be proven by the efficient public transportation system. Its innumerable parks and green spaces, like the Botanical Garden with its native forest, delight visitors. There are innumerable cultural attractions, but to highlight but a few, there's the Arame Opera House, with its tubular structure and transparent roof, and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum and its work "The Eye" , which just cannot be missed.

Botanical Garden, photo by wikipedia

Oscar Niemeyer Museum, "The Eye', photo by wikipedia

Tingui Park with Ukranian church


Soccer in the state of Paraná has a national presence, although the territory has intense rivalries between local clubs. Coritiba, Atlético Paranaense and Paraná are the triad that always compete for the state title.
Coritiba, at over 100-year old, calls the Mayor Antônio Couto Pereira stadium home, and has won three consecutive state titles until 2013, and this year has lost its supremacy for small local squads, such as Londrina and Maringá.
Arena da Baixada, Curitiba city, photo by Danilo Borges
With its large capacity for 41.456 spectators, the modern Baixada Arena will host games just in the group stage, with the privilege of receiving the current world champion: the feared Spain. The stadium belongs to Atlético Paranaense, one of the main forces in the city, with a relevant presence in the national league.
June 16th – Monday - 04:00pm - Iran x Nigeria (group F)
June 20th –  Friday - 07:00pm - Honduras x Ecuador (group E)
June 23rd – Monday - 01:00pm - Australia x Spain (group B)
June 26th –  Thursday - 05:00pm - Algeria x Russia (group  H)


Nigeria squad profile



Russian squad profile

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